Picking up the Pieces...

Some celebrities who are considered to be positive influences actually have a dark background of depression and substance abuse. A perfect example of such a person is Eric Lamaze, rider for the Canadian Olympic Equestrian Team. Lamaze brought home a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics for individual show jumping. This was the first time competing the Olympics for Lamaze, as he was unable to compete in the 1996 Atlanta Games and the 2000 Sydney Games. He tested positive for cocaine before both Olympics, and after the first time, considered suicide. Lamaze “picked up the pieces of his life,” and came out on top in the Beijing Olympic Games, also helping the Canadian Team bring home a silver medal in team show jumping. His success story touched the hearts of Canadians, and fellow equestrians, who understand how important his dream was to him, and how if you persevere through difficult times, the dream is still attainable.
The story of Eric Lamaze is a positive representation of how celebrities who have been at a time perceived as bad role models and influences to the rest of society, can make a positive example of themselves by turning their lives around and proving themselves to the rest of the world. Eric says of his fantastic story, "When you give people chances and allow them to come back from their mistakes, great things happen and I'm a perfect example that you shouldn't give up on people." He demonstrates not that young riders should engage in illegal drug practices so they can one day follow their dreams, but that people should not be ridiculed and judged by the rest of society for struggling with drug dependency. Lamaze illustrates that if people are given a second chance to redeem themselves from their mistakes, they may then be judged for the person they really are, and display their great talents and personality traits.
Many people who know who Eric Lamaze is may not have known about his troubled past and how his career suffered due to drug abuse. Seeing him come out of the Beijing Olympics with a gold medal, a silver medal, and recognition as one of the top riders in the world, actually gives a positive message to society: don’t let bad habits hold you back, and never give up on yourself.